UFC Mexico: Lone’er Kavanagh upsets former champion Brandon Moreno

Britain’s Lone’er Kavanagh scored the biggest win of his career when he upset former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico City.

With just three weeks notice for the fight, Kavanagh put on a mature display to win by unanimous decision of 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47.

Kavanagh, 26, was unranked entering the competition, but a victory over sixth-seeded Moreno in front of the Mexican fans will see him take a big step towards the top of the classification.

“I said it before this fight; I live for legendary moments,” Kavanagh said.

“This is a legendary moment. Brandon is a legend. I’m a two-time world champion. I’m a huge fan. I watched him when I was a kid. It’s amazing to fight him.”

Kavanagh was set to fight against two-time flyweight champion Moreno, while his main opponent, Asu Almabayev, withdrew due to injury.

The Briton entered the contest following the first defeat of his 11-game career against Charles Johnson in August but took control against Moreno in the early stages.

Kavanagh kept Moreno at bay with a series of leg kicks, then hurt him with a series of punches midway through the second round.

Moreno had more success in the third round, but Kavanagh regained control with more leg kicks and then defended a series of takedowns to pick up the victory.

The win was the 10th of Kavanagh’s 11-game career, while Moreno suffered his fourth defeat in his last six matches.